iPhone 15 Series USB Type-C Connectors Leak Ahead of Launch, Purported Case Hints at Action Button

Apple is tipped to replace the mute switch with an 'Action' button similar to the one introduced on the Apple Watch Ultra.

Written by David Delima, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 9 August 2023 11:17 IST

iPhone 15 Series USB Type-C Connectors Leak Ahead of Launch, Purported Case Hints at Action Button

iPhone 15 Pro is expected to succeed the iPhone 14 Pro (pictured) that was launched last year

Highlights

iPhone 15 series is tipped to debut in September
The upcoming lineup is expected to feature a USB Type-C port
The iPhone 15 Pro models may also be equipped with an 'Action' button

iPhone 15 series — comprising the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — is tipped to debut next month. Apple's next iPhone models are expected to feature a USB Type-C port instead of the company's proprietary Lightning connector. The Cupertino company is yet to confirm whether the iPhone 15 series would feature the connector in compliance with EU regulations. Now, leaked images show the purported USB Type-C ports coming to Apple's next iPhone models. Meanwhile, leaked case images for the iPhone 15 Pro Max corroborate claims that Apple will equip the Pro models with a new Action button.

X (formerly known as Twitter) users @lipilipsi and @John011235 shared images of USB Type-C connector components that will debut on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The leaked images do not include the connector for the iPhone 15 Pro. It is worth noting that there's no way to confirm that these images are genuine, and both users have not specified the source of these component images.

pic.twitter.com/RffKurq2Fq
—  John  (@John011235) August 8, 2023

It is worth noting that Apple previously confirmed it will equip future phones with the same charging port used by modern Android smartphones in order to comply with EU regulations, but the company did not specify whether it would do so with the iPhone 15 series that it is expected to unveil in September. Previous reports suggest the phones will feature the modern connector, but only Made for iPhone (MFi) certified accessories will offer full functionality.

This year, Apple is also tipped to replace the iconic mute switch on its iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models with an "Action" button that can be programmed to perform specific tasks, launch Shortcuts and toggle certain accessibility features. Last year, the Apple Watch Ultra was the first device from the company to feature the dedicated button.

Samsung Wins Patent for a Tri-Fold Smartphone With Specialised Barrier Layer for Improved Durability

Details pic.twitter.com/RTWSfYH3Uz
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 6, 2023

Images of MagSafe silicone cases (in three colourways) for the iPhone 15 Ultra — the purported name of the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 series model — leaked by X user @MajinBuOfficial hint at a new button located above the volume rocker on the next-generation handset.

While it is unlikely that Apple will confirm the presence of a new Action button on its upcoming smartphones, previously leaked images of accessories for the phones also suggested the absence of the mute switch and the addition of the dedicated programmable button that is tipped to arrive with Apple's upcoming premium smartphones.

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iPhone 15

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Big upgrades over the 14
Excellent ergonomics, build quality
Very good all-round performance
Apple ecosystem benefits

Bad
Relatively slow charging
Expensive
Still a 60Hz display

Read detailed Apple iPhone 15 review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A16 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 6GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1179x2556 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.70-inch

Processor Apple A16 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1290x2796 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A17 Pro

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1179x2556 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Excellent display
USB Type-C
AAA gaming
Excellent all-round performance
Good primary and telephoto camera
Customisable Action Button

Bad
Gets hot quickly when stressed
Slow wired charging
Expensive

Read detailed Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review

Display 6.70-inch

Processor Apple A17 Pro

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 17

Resolution 1290x2796 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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Further reading: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 USB Type C, USB Type C port, iPhone 15 Pro Max Action button, Action button, iPhone 15 series, Apple

David Delima

Email David Delima

As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More